CBC Archives

Explain to students that they will be investigating the science surrounding the capsizing of the Ocean Ranger oil rig. Allow students to browse the Ocean Ranger Disaster topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site for 15 to 20 minutes to find aspects of the sinking that they think merit some scientific investigation. As well, you can present the following issues for consideration:

tipping angles and buoyancy

types of life rafts and their stability

weather tracking and prediction methods

safety suits design

Have students state the focus of their investigation from a scientific point of view, then outline the scientific theory behind their choice of topic. Students then return to the Web site to gather the information they need to complete their investigation. Students may wish to use other resources as well.

Students prepare a visual display, computer simulation, or seminar (such as a sales pitch for a safety suit) to share their information.

Display students’ completed work in the classroom for others to examine, and have them make any presentations necessary. Students should question one another on their work to be sure that they clearly understand the scientific theories being explored.

Students can conduct stability experiments for a miniature block structure roughly scaled like the Ocean Ranger. In groups, students should build a cork and wood main structure, with metal weight below to allow the structure to submerge partially. Each group’s structure should be weighted differently so that the portion above the waterline changes. Some structures might include a holding area where water can fill in. Students can place the structures into a tub of water and generate waves of different sizes to study the stability of the object in different situations.